The Sabah Teacher’s Sabbath and Integrating Faith and Learning (IFL) Seminar, jointly organised by the Malaysia Union Mission (MAUM) and the Sabah Mission Education Department, gathered Adventist educators on 10 January 2026, at Sekolah Menengah Advent (SMAT) Hall and Mission Hall, for a meaningful day of worship, reflection, and professional enrichment.
Held under the theme “Called to be Faithful Educators for God’s Mission,” the program brought together around 70 teachers and education workers from five primary schools and one secondary school across the Sabah Mission. The event focused on the central role of faith-based education in shaping not only academic excellence but also lifelong Christian commitment.
The highlight of the seminar was a lecture series presented by Dr. Jimmy Kijai, Professor of Research and Statistics at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Silang, Philippines. In his presentations, Dr. Jimmy explored three core questions: What is Integrating Faith and Learning? Why is IFL important? How can it be effectively implemented in the classroom? He further emphasised that Integrative Faith Learning (IFL) goes far beyond just morning prayers or religious activities. Instead, it’s a planned academic approach where every subject is taught with a focus on God, showing that all knowledge ultimately comes from Him. He stressed that true IFL helps students build a strong Christian identity, recognise God’s active role in the world, and apply biblical principles in their future careers and daily lives.
In light of current challenges, Dr. Jimmy noted the concerning trend of young people leaving the church. He noted that this phenomenon frequently stems not from theological disputes but from a diminished sense of belonging and connection within the church. He argued that deliberately weaving faith into education is crucial for cultivating students who feel secure in both their beliefs and their community.
The participants also tackled the practical aspects of implementing Integrating Faith and Learning (IFL), such as addressing clashes between faith and dominant worldviews and purposefully crafting lessons that link academic subjects to enduring values.
Dr. Jimmy’s presentation drew upon a deep well of experience in Adventist education. He was a Professor of Research and Statistical Methodology at Andrews University in Michigan, USA, from 1990 until 2021. From 1971 to 1979, he was a science and mathematics teacher at Sabah Adventist Secondary School (SASS), currently known as Sekolah Menengah Advent Tamparuli. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Spicer Memorial College, followed by a Master’s degree and a PhD in Educational Research from the University of South Carolina, USA. His research delves into how institutions shape faith, values, and the development of beliefs.
To directly benefit the schools, Dr. Jimmy donated two sets of “Integrating Faith and Learning,” Volumes 1 and 2, which are intended to help teachers incorporate faith into their lesson plans.
The seminar underscored the shared dedication of MAUM and the SAB Education Department to Adventist education, viewing it as a holistic approach that prepares students for both this life and the next.
Reported by Hazel Wanda Ginajil-Gara, MAUM Communication Department
27, January 2025, Tuesday.